Food & Drink in Plymouth

If you are in the mood for fresh, local produce that is lovingly prepared by the best chefs in the region, then Plymouth is the place to be. With an abundance of fresh seafood complimented by locally grown vegetables, the restaurants in Plymouth have some of the tastiest dishes in the whole of Devon.

Aside from being a haven for foodies, Plymouth has a rich maritime heritage and is one of the most interesting places to visit in the county. The number of restaurants and other eateries is just as diverse as the events and the attractions that can be found there.

All things nautical


There is a reason why Plymouth is known as Britain’s Ocean City. Not only does it still retain strong links with the Navy and has historical connections to some of the greatest sailors the UK has ever known but it is also a haven for those that love food.

Plymouth has a fantastic mix of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. There is a strong community of independent establishments offering top quality local produce as well as high street chains, hotel restaurants and gastro pubs. Being near the coast, Plymouth is famous for its seafood, from fish and chips to lobster and crab, those of you who don’t like seafood need not worry though, foodies will love the city atmosphere that features menus from around the world.

If you want a sea view to enjoy over your dinner, make sure to head to one of the many establishments in Plymouth Hoe where you’ll find the harbour and a number of places offering alfresco dining, particularly in the summer months. If you fancy something a little more historical, the Barbican is an ideal place to stop off for dinner. Several of the establishments in this area also offer views of the harbour and many of them are independently run. This part of Plymouth is also home to a number of specialist restaurants, perfect for when you really fancy a certain cuisine.

The home of celebrity chefs

Devon has several celebrity chefs taking advantage of the quality local produce and many of them are operating out of Plymouth, including Marco Pierre White who has his own steak bar at Plymouth Hoe. In fact, the Hoe, along with the Barbican, Royal William Yard and the City Centre are the best places to experience fine dining alongside incredible views.

 One of Plymouth’s big draws is its prominence when it comes to distilleries and breweries. Like the majority of Devon, the city is well placed in terms of weather and rich soil for creating the perfect environment for truly tasty drinks. The most famous of all the distilleries in the city is Plymouth Gin who not only offer tours and give you the chance to sample the best gin varieties, but they also an extensive menu full of amazing flavours to really compliment the gin.

It isn’t just the gin that makes for a good accompaniment, make sure to try a Cream Tea while you’re in the city, just make sure that you put the jam and the cream on the right way! You’ll find many of the restaurants, whether they are in hotels or establishments in their own right, there will be several varieties of cream tea for you to sample. When this part of the UK is the leading producer of cream and has some incredible fruit being grown for the jam it would be rude not to have at least one!

No trip to Plymouth would be complete without spending some time discovering the best food the West Country can offer.

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